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ABOUT

Shasta Abbey

Founder

Houn Jiyu-Kennett

Abbess

Monastic Community

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Rev. Master Meian was officially installed as Abbess in ajoyful public ceremony held on Saturday, November 6, 2010 during our 40th Anniversary Weekend. For more photos of the Induction please click here.

 

The gates of Shasta Abbey stand open wide. Whilst I remain within this place this gate shall never be closed to any living thing.

Blessing at the Temple Gate and at the Buddha Hall Door

Accompanied by her 5 chaplains, Rev. Master Meian Elbert approaches the gates of Shasta Abbey and to offer incense. She is greeted by lay ministers and her lay disciples, who will escort her to the Buddha Hall, where she repeated this affirmation at the Buddha Hall door.

AudioInvocation: How Glorious Is Thy Dharma



  Induction
 

The Light of Buddha shall shine immaculately throughout the whole world.

Verse said on the Bowing Seat in the Buddha Hall

On this beautiful day, Rev. Master Meian wears celebratory vestments handed down from Rev. Master Jiyu. She carries the Blossoming Staff of abbatical authority to the Bowing Seat in the Buddha Hall where she says the verse above and makes three bows.

AudioInvocation: You Came From the West



  Induction
  YOU came from the west, what IS this that is in front of me? Now that I am standing in front of you, what is it that is in front of me?

Verse said at the Bodhidharma Hall Altar in the Buddha Hall

She then proceeds to offer incense and make bows at the Bodhidharma Altar, the Altar of the Monastery Guardians and the Shrine of the Founders.

Audio
Invocation: How Can We Not Give Thanks



  Induction
  For eternity you are blessing and guarding this place. I pray that your blessings upon this house may never cease.

Verse said at the Altar of the Monastery Guardians in the Buddha Hall

She returns to the bowing seat where she makes three bows.

AudioInvocation: There's One Who Waits

  induction
  Here is the true foundation of all favour; even now it will be as it was in former days. That it may be so I pray that I may be able to do all things well although I am so inexperienced in many matters. I pray your help.

Verse said in the Shrine of the Founders in the Buddha Hall

Leaving the Bowing Seat she processes to make bows before the Head of the Order, Rev. Master Haryo Young, and then recesses to the vestry with her chaplains.

AudioInvocation: Gate Processional

  induction


Following the ceremony, both Rev. Master Meian and Rev. Master Haryo addressed the more than 200 guests in celebration and in gratitude. They included monks from priories of the Order in the UK, Canda, and the United States, lay ministers and lay friends from North America, as well as monastics and friends from the Orthodox, Catholic, and Episcopalian traditions.

Audio Remarks after the Induction Ceremony